Driving Time between Blanco, Texas and Houston, Texas

A picture depicting driving

Texas Road Trip: Driving from Blanco to Houston

Looking to escape the small-town vibe of Blanco for the big city thrills of Houston? Whether you're carpooling with friends, going solo, or hitting the road with your family, there are plenty of routes to choose from when driving from Blanco to Houston. Here's a breakdown of your options, along with estimated distances and driving times, to help you plan the perfect Texas road trip.

Taking The US-290 East

The fastest route between Blanco and Houston is taking the US-290 East, which will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. This route covers approximately 166 miles and is the most direct route between the two cities. Expect to pass through quaint towns and rolling hills before being greeted by the bright lights of Houston.

Adding A Slight Detour Via The I-10 East Route

If you're interested in adding a slight detour to your road trip and want to experience more of Texas, then taking the I-10 East en route to Houston would be a great option. This route passes by popular locations like the Texas Capitol Building, San Jacinto Monument and Museum, and beautiful state parks. The estimated distance for this route is 204 miles and the travel time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Scenic Route Via The TX-71 East Route

The scenic route via TX-71 East is ideal for a leisurely, stress-free drive. The highlight of this route is the majestic Colorado River. Expect to see several unique stops, including Bastrop State Park, the oil drilling town of Giddings, and the small town of Elgin, known for its BBQ joints. While this route is slightly longer than the US-290 East route with around 192 miles, it is worth taking the extra time as it is one of the most beautiful road trip routes in Texas.

Explore The West Side Via The US-281 South Route

Depending on where you're starting from in Blanco and whether you wish to explore the west part of Texas, you may opt for the US-281 South route. This option traverses south and intersects with US-10 East, leading to Houston. The distance covered is around 237 miles, meaning you should expect around 4 hours of driving time. Along the route, you can make stops at the Fort Crockett Seawall, South Padre Island, or Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Make Your Way Through Winding Roads Via TX-21 East

Lastly, there's the scenic TX-21 East route. This route covers almost 198 miles of winding roads and it's an amazing route for adventure lovers. There are plenty of stops on this route where nature can be appreciated such as Lake Somerville State Park, Bastrop State Park, and Central Texas Heroes Memorial among others. You can expect a journey of around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Recommendations for Places to Stop Along The Way

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of fun stops to make along the way to break up the journey. Here are a few recommendations for places to stop on the road:

  • In Brenham, stop at Blue Bell Creamery and enjoy some of the best ice cream in Texas
  • Stretch your legs and enjoy the picturesque views at River Bend Park in Smithville
  • Visit the historic downtown of Columbus for a glimpse into Texas' rich past
  • Make sure to taste the iconic BBQ at one of the many BBQ joints in Elgin

So whether you choose to head straight to Houston on the US-290 E or explore some of Texas' beautiful locations along the way, there is never a bad time for a road trip. So fill up your gas tank, grab your favorite snacks, and hit the road for an epic Texas adventure.